Tue. June 9, 2009
Milwaukee, WI -
Last year's torrential rains, lightening, and false reports that the festival was cancelled almost washed out the Milwaukee's Pride Festival. This year, PrideFest returns boasting the nation's largest LGBT pride entertainment lineup. Milwaukee PrideFest 2009 takes place June 12, 13 and 14 at Henry Maier Festival Park…rain or shine.
PrideFest's mission is to celebrate the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) culture and community. In addition to a smorgasbord of food, a variety of merchandise and fun educational activities, Milwaukee's PrideFest presents full-length concerts from popular gay and straight performers.
"The truly wonderful aspect of PrideFest's entertainment line-up is the mix of independent and successful gay artists along with A-list mainstream entertainers and icons who have clearly shown their support for equality and the gay community," said PrideFest Entertainment Director David Charpentier.
PrideFest will feature pop icon and gay rights activist Cyndi Lauper, R&B and television superstar Brandy, and the legendary Etta James. Other featured performers include R&B sensation Deborah Cox, the fun and funky Roots Band, Swedish dance singer September, drag performer Jade from RuPaul's Drag Race, and more than 120 additional performers.
Cyndi Lauper is well-known for a number of popular hits including "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time." Brandy's resume includes R&B chart topper as well as acclaimed actress in her sitcom "Moesha" and the 1997 television remake of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical "Cinderella." And of course everyone knows of music legend Etta James, whose famous single "At Last" was featured at the U.S. president's 2009 Inaugural Ball.
Simultaneously, PrideFest celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, when a group of gay and straight activists stood up to the government-endorsed persecution of the LGBT community after a police raid of the Stonewall Inn. PrideFest as well as many other LGBT events nationwide were made possible by the fight to allow gay-friendly institutions to support and patronize the LGBT community without fear of negative government interference.
"Change is occurring today just as it did during the period of the Stonewall riots," said PrideFest President Scott Gunkel. "The United States elected its first African-American president, more and more states are legalizing gay marriage, and the dreams of Stonewall and other advocates are turning into realities. PrideFest 2009 is a great opportunity for all of us to remember our past, rejoice over the progress made in the present, and welcome an even better future."
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